THE GLORIOUS INVALID

By Richard Zoglin

Backers of The Capeman, PAUL SIMON's much ballyhooed musical, are doing their best to spin away the bad word of mouth the Broadway show is getting in previews. Too slow. Too static. Too earnest. In fact, Simon et al. are busy making cuts and changes. He's also writing a new number for star RUBEN BLADES and trying to give the show a much needed boost of energy. Director and choreographer MARK MORRIS is still in charge, but such old hands as MIKE NICHOLS, British director NICHOLAS HYTNER and Simon's buddy LORNE MICHAELS have been called in for advice. The opening, at least for now, is scheduled for Jan. 8.

--By Richard Zoglin